Published on 10/02/2025
At the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), we are committed to advancing scientific understanding and conservation efforts across diverse ecosystems. We are proud to support the recent study by Baldizzone (2024), titled New or Little-Known Species and New Records of Coleophoridae from Armenia (Lepidoptera), published in Revue Suisse de Zoologie. This research, based on extensive fieldwork conducted in 2019 and 2022 in Armenia’s Urtsadzor area and Gorovan Sands National Sanctuary, provides important insights into the taxonomic and ecological diversity of the Coleophoridae family within the region’s unique arid and semi-arid landscapes.
In our role as a patron of rigorous biodiversity research, we value the detailed methodological approach demonstrated in this study. The investigation involved extensive field sampling and systematic documentation of Coleophoridae species. Researchers identified a total of 72 species, including 43 that were recorded in Armenia for the first time and 10 that have been described as entirely new to science. Notably, the study presents the first illustrations of female genitalia for four species—a key development for accurate taxonomic classification.
The study has led to several significant discoveries, including the identification of the following newly described species:
These findings underscore the rich biodiversity present in Armenia’s ecosystems. Our regions of focus, such as the Artemisia semi-desert environments at Gorovan Sands and the subalpine meadows near the Urtsadzor Ecolodge, are revealed to support a diverse assemblage of Coleophoridae species. Additionally, the research revises the distribution of several species, including documenting the first European occurrence of C. zofodella.
From our perspective at FPWC, these taxonomic advancements are not only significant for the scientific community but also have profound conservation implications. The research highlights the ecological importance of the Urtsadzor and Gorovan Sands regions as critical habitats. However, it also brings attention to potential environmental threats such as overgrazing and resource extraction that may jeopardize these fragile ecosystems. We recognize that the promising taxonomic insights call for ongoing biodiversity assessments and carefully planned conservation strategies to safeguard these natural assets.
The study supported by FPWC contributes to a refined understanding of Coleophoridae diversity in Armenia, reinforcing the ecological value of its habitats. While the taxonomic discoveries are promising, they also serve as a reminder of the need for sustained research and conservation planning. Our foundation remains dedicated to supporting scientific endeavors that enhance our collective ability to protect and preserve both wildlife and cultural assets in a rapidly changing environment.
Baldizzone, G. (2024, September). New or little-known species and new records of Coleophoridae from Armenia (Lepidoptera). Revue Suisse de Zoologie, 131(2), 401–450.
